3 trades the Patriots can make while throwing in the towel on 2023

Trade Number 2: Josh Uche heads to the Falcons

Next up, we get to a more juicy deal and maybe the best trade candidate on this Patriots roster. Over the offseason, there was a lot made about pass rusher Josh Uche not receiving a new deal and whether or not the Patriots should offer him a long-term extension. The curious case of Uche revolves around the fact that, to begin his pro career, he dealt with injuries and inconsistency with his opportunities.

Then, last year, Uche broke out. He totaled a whopping 11.5 sacks while playing only 38 percent of snaps on defense. That is a startling level of productivity, and a reason why many Patriots fans wanted to see him locked down for the foreseeable future. But now, if the Patriots could get a decent pick for him rather than potentially allowing him to leave via free agency, then they should do so.

The Atlanta Falcons defense is one of the most-improved units in football this year, and also one of the very best, overall. As we speak, they are currently fourth in the league in yardage allowed, giving up just over 278 yards per game on the year. The problem comes when they rush the passer, having only 10 sacks on the season as a team.

That's where Uche comes in and provides a big lift. The Falcons might have to make a change on offense, too, in order to compete. But, if they make a couple of moves with this one included, then they have a legitimate shot at winning the NFC South, which still appears wide open.

The Patriots, meanwhile, get a third-round pick in exchange for someone they could have lost in free agency, anyway.